System and method for identifying point detection calibration prior to point detector lock-out and switch machine failure

Abstract

A detection and indication system for use in a railway switch machine which utilizes one or more roller members which physically interact with a point detector bar coupled to one or more switch points to provide an indication of a point failure upon movement of the point detector bar a predetermined distance from an initial position. The system includes a mounting structure structured to be coupled to a housing of the switch machine and a first sensing device coupled to the mounting structure. The first sensing device is positioned and structured to detect movement of the point detector bar a second predetermined distance from the initial position, wherein the second predetermined distance is less than the first predetermined distance.

We claim: 
     
       1. A detection and indication system for use in a railway switch machine which utilizes a first roller member and a second roller member which physically interact with a point detector bar coupled to one or more switch points to provide an indication of a point failure upon movement of the point detector bar a predetermined distance from an initial position, the system comprising:
 a mounting structure structured to be coupled to a housing of the switch machine; 
 a first sensing device coupled to the mounting structure, the first sensing device including a first secondary roller member, the first secondary roller member being positioned and structured to engage the point detector bar adjacent the first roller member; and 
 a second sensing device coupled to the mounting structure, the second sensing device including a second secondary roller member, the second secondary roller member being positioned and structured to engage the point detector bar adjacent the second roller member. 
 
     
     
       2. The detection and indication system of  claim 1  wherein one or both of the first sensing device and the second sensing device further comprises a micro-switch which physically engages the secondary roller member. 
     
     
       3. The detection and indication system of  claim 2  wherein the micro-switch is adjustably coupled to the mounting structure. 
     
     
       4. The detection and indication system of  claim 3  wherein the micro-switch is adjustably coupled to the mounting structure via a slot. 
     
     
       5. The detection and indication system of  claim 4  wherein the mounting structure comprises indicia provided thereon for assisting in locating the secondary roller member with regard to the roller member of the switch machine. 
     
     
       6. The detection and indication system of  claim 1  further comprising a wireless transmission device in electrical communication with the first sensing device, the wireless transmission device being structured to wirelessly transmit a signal received from the first sensing device. 
     
     
       7. A railway switch machine comprising:
 a housing; 
 a point detector bar slidably coupled to the housing, the point detector bar structured to be coupled to at least one moveable switch point of a railway system, the point detector bar including a recess portion formed therein, the recess portion defined at least in-part by a sloped portion disposed at one end; 
 a roller member disposed adjacent to the point detector bar and positioned to physically engage the sloped portion of the recess portion upon movement of the point detector bar a predetermined distance from an initial position, the roller member being coupled to a switching mechanism structured to provide an indication of a point failure upon movement of the point detector bar the predetermined distance from the initial position; and 
 a detection and indication system comprising:
 a mounting structure coupled to the housing; and 
 a first sensing device coupled to the mounting structure, the first sensing device including a secondary roller member disposed adjacent the point detector bar and positioned to physically engage the sloped portion of the recess portion upon movement of the point detector bar a predetermined second distance from the initial position, the secondary roller member being coupled to the first sensing device in a manner such that a signal is produced by the first sensing device upon movement of the point detector bar the second predetermined distance from the initial position, 
 
 wherein the second predetermined distance is less than the first predetermined distance. 
 
     
     
       8. The railway switch machine of  claim 7  wherein the first sensing device further comprises a micro-switch which physically engages the secondary roller member. 
     
     
       9. The railway switch machine of  claim 8  wherein the micro-switch is adjustably coupled to the mounting structure. 
     
     
       10. The railway switch machine of  claim 9  wherein the micro-switch is adjustably coupled to the mounting structure via a slot. 
     
     
       11. The railway switch machine of  claim 10  wherein the mounting structure comprises indicia provided thereon for assisting in locating the secondary roller member with regard to the roller member of the switch machine. 
     
     
       12. The railway switch machine of  claim 7  further comprising a wireless transmission device in electrical communication with the first sensing device, the wireless transmission device being structured to wirelessly transmit a signal received from the first sensing device.